Experiential Learning through Internships and Co-ops

The Ed G. Smith College of Business offers an internship/co-op program that allows students to earn academic credit for internships and co-ops. This program enables students to integrate real-world professional experience into their academic record. Internships may be paid or unpaid.

Get Started with Internships/Co-ops for Credit

1. Consult your Academic Advisor to determine how an internship fits into your academic plan.
2. Search for an internship; guidance is available from Tyler VonJensen and Career Services.
3. After receiving an offer letter, secure a full-time faculty member to serve as your sponsor.
4. Contact Tyler VonJensen to obtain the application link.

Things to know:

• Before enrolling, an application form (provided by the Office of Student Professional Success) must be completed and signed by the student, sponsoring faculty member, department chair, internship coordinator, and academic advisor.
• Compensation details and work schedules must be established before the internship begins.
• Internships may earn 1–3 credit hours. A minimum of 50 work hours per credit hour is required, up to a maximum of 3 credits.
• The number of internship related credit hours that can count towards you degree may vary by program or emphasis area – consult your academic advisor.
• Academic advising can also assist you in ensuring whether internship credits can count towards degree requirements.
• At semester’s end, students and on-site supervisors must submit internship evaluations. The Internship Coordinator distributes these evaluations.
• Undergraduate eligibility requirements include a minimum 2.0 campus GPA, 2.5 CoB GPA, and completion or enrollment.

Additional guidelines may apply by degree program/emphasis area. Consult your department chair for details. Accounting students should contact Dr. Jennifer Chen (wenhe@umsl.edu).